Description
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces and penne pasta enveloped in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of paprika, this comforting meal is garnished with fresh basil for a burst of fresh flavor, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
For the pasta:
- 10 oz penne pasta
For the sauce:
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter (I use Kerrygold for richness)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
For the garnish:
- fresh basil (torn just before serving)
- additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until they are no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and pasta well in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving. The fresh basil adds color and a bright flavor to the creamy pasta.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Pound the chicken to even thickness before cutting to ensure even cooking.
- Allow the cream and broth mixture to simmer enough to thicken the sauce properly.
- Fresh garlic is preferred for a more robust flavor in the sauce.
- Add more Parmesan cheese if you desire a cheesier sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato sauce, penne pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner
